FRENCH 1890 Art Nouveau Limoges Enameled Pendant Brooch In 18Kt Yellow Gold

French art Nouveau enameled pendant brooch.

This is an exceptional pendant-brooch, created in Limoges France during the Art Nouveau period, back in the 1890. The rare brooch was carefully crafted with classical patterns in repousse yellow gold of 18 karats. The piece is embellished in the center with a round panel depicting a classical scene with the mythological figures of Venus and Cupid, enameled in dark red and white applications in high relief. It is fitted at the reverse, with a hinged horizontal pin bar with a security hook to wear as a brooch and a ring to wear in a chain. This beautiful piece will be a great addition to a jewelry collection from this period.

Venus And Cupid

Venus is a Roman goddess, whose functions encompass love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, prosperity, and victory. In Roman mythology, she was the ancestor of the Roman people through her son, Aeneas, who survived the fall of Troy and fled to Italy. Julius Caesar claimed her as his ancestor. Venus was central to many religious festivals, and was revered in Roman religion under numerous cult titles. The Romans adapted the myths and iconography of her Greek counterpart Aphrodite for Roman art and Latin literature. In the later classical tradition of the West, Venus became one of the most widely referenced deities of Greco-Roman mythology as the embodiment of love and sexuality. In another allegory, Cupid's mother, Venus (Aphrodite), became so jealous of the beautiful mortal Psyche that she told her son to induce Psyche to fall in love with a monster. Instead, Cupid became so enamored with Psyche that he married her—with the condition that she could never see his face.

Limoges Enamel

Limoges enamel has been produced at Limoges, in south-western France, over several centuries up to the present. There are two periods when it was of European importance. From the 12th century to 1370 there was a large industry producing metal objects decorated in enamel using the champlevé technique, of which most of the survivals (estimated at around 7,500 pieces),[1] and probably most of the original production, are religious objects such as reliquaries. Limoges painted enamel, any of the enameled products made in Limoges, France, and generally considered the finest painted enamelware produced in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. Limoges enamels are largely the work of a few families, such as the Pénicaud, Limosin, and Reymond families.

Weight: 8.4 Grams, (5.42 Dwt).

Measurements: Diameter of 28 mm (1.10 Inches).

Hallmarks: No marks, electronically tested for 18 kt gold. Engraved at the reverse as follow, "A.P.W. From A.M.W".

Art Nouveau History 

This term refer to new art jewelry, and was created in France between about 1895 and 1910, coming on the heels of the “overwrought” designs of the Victorian era (which ended with Queen Victoria's death in 1901) and creating a striking contrast to the mainstream Edwardian designs of that time. While jewelry with a similar aesthetic was being made in other countries during the same time period--for example, Jugendstil in Germany and Austria--true Art Nouveau jewelry is decidedly extended in France. It was a short-lived period in jewelry design, lasting only about 15 years, because of the onset of World War I and because the pieces were so over-the-top that people quickly lost interest in them. Characterized by lavish and organic ornamentation, the Art Nouveau movement blossomed in Vienna at the turn of the 20th Century, with influential Austrians architects Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos making significant architectural contributions that helped shape the city's skyline as we see it today. Rene Lalique, was the most celebrated art nouveau designer, championed jewelry designer.

Collateral: This pendant-brooch is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.

Note: The chain in the picture is not included, is just to show the piece in the neck.

Condition: The overall condition of this pendant brooch is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. All parts are secured in the settings. This brooch has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: P091224RENL/.2019